Gabriel was founder and previously served as chairman and chief technology officer of MEMS microphone pioneer Akustica Inc. (Pittsburgh), Gabriel's duties at Darpa will include overseeing research, development and demonstration of concepts, devices, and systems for the military.

MEMS pioneer Ken Gabriel rejoins Darpa as deputy director.

"MEMS was always just a part of the puzzle to Gabriel," said Karen Lightman, managing director of the MEMS Industry Group. "His view has always been more global--he understands the nuances of developing new enabling technologies, which is just what Darpa does."

Gabriel is serving a second stint at the defense agency. His first began in 1992 when he was recruited to start the agency's MEMS program. He previously managed over 70 projects within the $80 million MEMS program.

Gabriel earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983. He worked on MEMS technology at the former AT&T Bell Labs.

Gabriel left Darpa in 1998 to join the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University, where he developed CMOS-based microphones using MEMS technologies. The project was spun off in 2001 with the formation of Akustica.

Gabriel will serve under new Darpa Director Regina Dugan, who was appointed in July.